What is sustainable water management, and which two strategies can improve water security?

• A. Maximizing water extraction from rivers with no conservation.
• B. Ignoring climate variability and relying on natural rainfall.
• C. Managing water for present and future needs; strategies include water conservation and wastewater reuse.
• D. Privatizing all water services and increasing tariffs.

Answer: (C)

Sustainable water management means planning and using water in a way that meets current needs without compromising future availability or the health of ecosystems. Two practical strategies that strengthen water security are water conservation and wastewater reuse.

Conservation reduces demand by using water more efficiently and cutting losses, such as fixing leaks, improving irrigation efficiency, installing low‑flow fixtures, and using pricing or incentives to encourage careful use. This keeps more water in the system for essential needs and buffers against supply gaps.

Wastewater reuse treats used water so it can be returned to productive use—often for irrigation, industrial processes, or even, with higher treatment levels, some non drinking applications. Reusing wastewater expands the available water supply without pulling more from rivers or aquifers, boosting resilience during droughts or dry spells.

The other approaches don’t support long‑term reliability or fairness. Maximizing extraction with no conservation tends to exhaust sources and harm ecosystems. Ignoring climate variability leaves plans vulnerable to droughts or floods. Privatizing all water services and raising tariffs can limit access and equity, undermining shared water security.